| • Science | • People | • Locations | • Timeline |
Output has grown to around 500 balloons per year making Cameron the largest manufacturer of hot air balloons in the world. Cameron Balloons is also famous for its special shapes, the first being Robertson's Golly, constructed in 1975. Most special shapes are made for commercial advertising, but some have been for rich balloonists wanting something different. Notable amongst these is the late Malcolm Forbes of Forbes magazine, who commissioned a number of special shapes, including Harley Davidson motorbike, Sphinx, bust of Beethoven, French Chateau, Pagoda and Minaret.
The Bedminster factory occupies three floors. Most factory space (first and second floors) is devoted to laying out the hundreds of yards of fabric which is sewn together by machinists. If the detail on the balloon is intricate, to save cost and weight, the designs may be sprayed or painted on instead.
The company also makes airships, helium balloons and static inflatables. Don and the company have been involved in many world record breaking attempts including trans-Atlantic, altitude and distance records.
Companies of the United Kingdom Bristol